The Los Angeles Lakers held their sixth pre-draft group workout on Tuesday. Featuring Ben Sheppard and Sidy Cissoko. Sheppard and Cissoko were two of the six players to attend the workout. The Lakers are looking to add a few more pieces to their already impressive roster. The team will make their pick during the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
Lakers Sixth Pre-Draft Group Workout Features G-League Ignite Standout
Players Invited
The Lakers have the following players in for pre-draft workouts today:
Ben Sheppard – Belmont
Landers Nolley II – Cincinnati
Patrick Gardner – Marist
Omari Moore – San Jose State
Sidy Cissoko – G League Ignite
KJ Williams – LSU
Player Focus: Belmont – Ben Sheppard
The Lakers currently have two draft picks in the 2023 NBA draft, the #17 pick in the first round and the #47 pick in the second round. Two prospects that stood out were Belmont’s Ben Sheppard and G League Ignite’s Sidy Cissoko. Sheppard is a guard who had trouble shooting a lot in his collegiate days. However, he improved dramatically in his senior year, making 40.4% of his catch-and-shoot threes.
A wing that has a mix of all tools.
Draft this kid, @Lakers. #BenSheppard 🤝
— Ryan Rueda (@iDude14) June 20, 2023
Los Angeles’ guard problem may not be as easily fixed with a draft pick. But Sheppard’s development is encouraging, and he could serve as a valuable asset off the bench. The Lakers have multiple players facing free agency options, so they will need to find a way to fill in the gaps if some of those players depart. Having Sheppard as part of the rotation could be a key component in keeping the team competitive.
Player Focus: G-League Ignites Sidy Cissoko
Forward Cissoko is a product of the G-league Ignite, who was established as a two-way player last season. The 19-year-old Cissoko has the ability to shoot, as evidenced by his 37.8% shooting accuracy. He has the potential to be a highly effective two-way player in the league. He has shown significant development since joining the Ignite and is expected to make a big impact this season.
Season-high 23 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists for 18-year old French wing Sidy Cissoko with G League Ignite. Made 5/9 threes from beyond the arc, attacked the rim in a straight line and showed his vision as a passer. Playing better and better as the season moves on. pic.twitter.com/IszqwednDm
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 24, 2023
Defense is one area Darvin Ham and the Lakers excel, so having a player like Cissoko will be a major boost for the team. He has the potential to elevate the Lakers’ defense to the next level. From his rim protection and high basketball IQ to his ability to switch on the pick-and-roll, Cissoko could be a game-changer for the Lakers.
Lakers Rumors
With the NBA Draft just days away, there is no certainty in which direction the Lakers will go. Build through the draft or leverage those draft picks to bring in another star player. There have been rumors of a possible trade to bring in Chris Paul, or they could use the pick to select a player who could help them in the long term. Ultimately, the Lakers will have to decide which path to take.
According to NBA scouts, not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
“I can see the Lakers and teams in the same spot as them looking for the best available player and for players with shooting range,” a Western Conference scout said. “You’re looking for length. You are looking for three-and-D. That’s the going rate for everybody now, looking for somebody that can guard and somebody that can shoot.”
